16 Personal Lubricants That Will Take Your Sex Life Up a Notch

You already know that personal lubricants can make sex feel that much better for both you and your partner, especially if you suffer from vaginal dryness or consistently experience painful sex. But the truth is, anyone can elevate their sex life by lathering up with lube.

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“Lube is fundamental to smokin’ hot sex,” says Jess O’Reilly, PhD, host of the @SexWithDrJess Podcast. “This is because your options for stroking, pulsing, squeezing, twisting, rubbing, grinding, and kissing multiply exponentially when you’re both nice and wet.” In fact, many techniques and positions “simply aren’t doable without lube” because it helps your body glide more smoothly without chafing, she says.

In one 2014 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers found that 65 percent of the 1,000 women surveyed reported trying out a personal lubricant, most commonly to decrease any discomfort and make sex feel more fun and pleasurable.

So whether you need help getting things going down there or simply feel like shaking things up, there is a lube out there for you. The tricky part? Not all lubes are created equal. Here’s exactly what to look for in a personal lubricant, the pros and cons of each kind, and the products that deserve a spot in your bedside drawer.

Oil-based lubricants

Pros: Oil-based lubes can generally be broken down into two categories: The natural lubes in your kitchen (like olive oil or coconut oil) and lubricants you can buy at the drugstore, making them easily accessible. These lubricants are pretty thick, so they can also be used as massage oils.

“It’s fine to use oils from your kitchen in a pinch,” says Lauren Streicher, MD, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and author of Sex Rx.

Cons: Don’t make oils a last-minute bedroom habit. Research shows that women who use kitchen oils as lube all the time are at an increased risk of infection, says Dr. Streicher.

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Plus, “you can’t use oil with condoms because the oil eats away at the latex,” says sex therapist Debra Laino, DHS. The same goes for latex sex toys. Oil-based lubricants also don’t really last as long as other types of lubes, since the oil gets absorbed into your body, Dr. Streicher says.

They’re also good if you’re using condoms, Laino says. And, if you’re using a silicone sex toy, it’s best to use a water-based lube since it won’t wear down the material.

Cons: However, Dr. Streicher says these lubes can be “tricky” because some can dry out vaginal tissue—especially if they have high osmolality, which describes the density of the lubricant. They can also get a bit sticky and don’t last as long as other options.

Silicone lubricants

Pros: “Most women do better with silicone lubricants,” Dr. Streicher says. “They tend to be more slippery, last longer, and are not irritating.”

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Silicone formulas are also typically thicker and silkier than other options, O’Reilly says. “Silicone lube tends to be great for sex in the shower and hand jobs,” she says. “Some people also prefer it for anal penetration, as it is longer lasting.” There are also lots of great options on the market and they’re condom compatible.

Cons: Again, you don’t want to use these with a silicone sex toy. Steer clear if you have a known silicone allergy.

Hybrid lubricants

Pros: Hybrid lubes are typically a blend of silicone and water-based formulas. “They tend to be longer lasting than a typical water-based formula, but not as thick as a silicone lube,” O’Reilly says.

Cons: Since they contain silicone, it’s not recommended that you use hybrid lubes with silicone sex toys, Laino says. There are also fewer options to choose from in the hybrid department, so they’re a bit harder to find.

The bottom line: Finding the right lubricant is an extremely personal choice and depends on your preferences. If you’re not sure which lube is best for you, talk to your ob-gyn, who will be able to steer you into the right direction.

Korin MillerKorin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more.

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